Traditional psychiatry is rooted in a subjection, interview based model. Practitioners:
● Identify mental disorders through standardized criteria through interview (e.g., DSM-5).
● Target neurochemical imbalances with FDA approved medications.
● Emphasize symptom reduction and crisis stabilization.
As the seasons change, it’s natural for your mood and energy levels to fluctuate. The Earth’s tilted axis causes different parts of the world to receive varying amounts of sunlight, creating seasonal transitions. These shifts can affect us both physically and mentally, leading to conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, there are many ways to embrace these changes and care for your mental and physical health through this time.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the present. The Earth is turning, and with that, the seasons change. As we enter fall and winter, the days grow shorter, and many of us notice a shift in mood and energy. It’s important to reflect on this and tune inwards. The seasonal changes are an opportunity to slow down, rest, and reflect rather than push for constant productivity. Think of it as a time to “settle down” and focus more on inner peace and self-care.
Moving into the darker months, have you noticed that your mood is off, your energy levels are low, you’ve been craving comfort (carbs anyone?) in ways that aren’t usual for you?
These “winter blues” also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and are common at this time of year.
Dr. Mary Rondeau, ND, RH (AHG), shares this solution to find mental balance as November settles in, and the crisp coolness of fall deepens, preparing us for the transition into winter.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we honor loved ones we’ve lost, survivors and those still actively fighting this devastating disease that affects millions worldwide. At Wholeness Center, we understand that a breast cancer diagnosis goes beyond the physical. The emotional and mental toll can be equally significant, impacting both the patient and their caregivers.
As part of treatment for breast cancer, we emphasize the empowering role of self-care and stress management. The naturopathic pillars of health play a vital role in keeping the mind and body healthy at any point in our lives – nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management. Cancer tends to feed off sugars and other simple carbohydrates for proliferation, and stress can easily affect blood sugar regulation, including daily ‘life’ stressors and additional internal stressors like lack of sleep. Keeping up with hydration, eating right, and sleeping well can be an extremely successful integrative therapy with chemo and radiation.
“Suicide is a heartbreaking reality that affects many lives every year,” says Dr, Suzanne Blaising, PhD. Wholeness Center is a leader in innovative and integrative mental health. This September which is suicide prevention month, we wanted to shed the stigma around suicide and provide you with the tools you need to help prevent this global epidemic from spreading.
Despite all the advancements in mental health care, some people still struggle to find treatments that work for them, especially when they are feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. It’s important to identify individuals with risk factors and warning signs. The American Psychiatric Association lists the following:
At Wholeness Center, we are guided by the expertise of Dr. Steven Rondeau, ND, BCN (EEG), a respected authority in the role of qEEG for understanding and predicting human behavior and performance. Here, Dr. Rondeau answers questions about our innovative mental health techniques: neurofeedback and biofeedback which we utilize to support our patients’ mental health.
Dr. Steven Rondeau: Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge therapy that is effective for a variety of mental health conditions. During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to monitor brain wave activity. This information is fed back to the patient in real time through a visual display. Patients can improve their symptoms through coaching designed to help them learn to regulate their brain wave activity. Our neurofeedback program is performed in the office or at the convenience of your home.
About the SunThe sun’s light contains invisible ultraviolet rays which can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. There are 3 types of UV light. UVC is the most damaging but it does not reach us because it cannot get through the atmosphere. UVB is responsible for delayed tanning and burning, however it cannot penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Most UVB is filtered by the clouds in the atmosphere and causes the most impact between 10am-4pm. Most of the UV radiation that reaches us is UVA. It can reach the deeper layers of the skin and causes immediate tanning. It is also the type that causes skin aging and wrinkling and potentially skin cancer. Increased exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn, speed up skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. (more…)
The vibrant energy of summer in Colorado invites us to step outside and soak it all in. Long sunny days and warm nights offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience a natural mood boost. At Wholeness Center, we offer integrative mental health tools such as incorporating mindfulness practices with outdoor activities. It is a powerful way to elevate your well-being throughout the summer months.
Fort Collins is nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Colorado, providing a wealth of options for nature enthusiasts. Why not explore these local gems while incorporating mindfulness and meditation techniques? Here are some of our favorite (local) ways to improve your mood and mental health while enjoying summer naturally:
This June, Men’s Health and PTSD Awareness Month, Wholeness Center is weighing in on these crucial issues. Our team of dedicated practitioners offers a comprehensive approach to healing, empowering men and those struggling with PTSD to reclaim their well-being.
Men face a distinct set of health challenges- prevalence of low energy, fatigue, heart disease, prostate issues, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone. To combat these concerns, we emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise.
For many, the connection between what we eat and how we feel is clear. A heavy lunch can lead to an afternoon slump, while a healthy breakfast can kickstart our day with energy and focus. But did you know that diet and nutrition can play a much bigger role in our bodies, impacting not just our physical health but also our mental well-being.
There is an indisputable connection between gut bacteria, the food we consume, and the state of our minds. This connection can be especially crucial for those struggling with mental health disorders.